Socceroo star Tim Cahill has been selected in Ange Postecoglou’s 23-man side to take on Iraq and the United Arab Emirates in the next stage of 2018 World Cup Qualifiers.

The Socceroos Head Coach said the two matches will provide an important test for his side as they look to get off on the front foot in the campaign.

“Both Iraq and UAE present challenges for us and every player will need to be ready to hit the ground running. As has been the case right through, form and fitness are central to the squad we’ve selected and I believe we have the squad to get us off to a good start,” Postecoglou said.

“This squad sets us up well for the huge challenge we have ahead over the next 12 months to qualify for the World Cup but importantly it is specific to the first task at hand, which is Iraq in Perth and then the UAE in Abu Dhabi,

“We’ve now arrived at the final stage of World Cup Qualifying where we will face a stronger group of opponents in testing conditions and we are comfortable that we have a core group of players with a stronger base of international experience.

Former City midfielder Aaron Mooy has been rewarded with another call up to the national team, after a stellar start to life in the English Championship with new club Huddersfield Town.

The Socceroos will face Iraq in Perth on September 1 while they take on the United Arab Emirates on September 6 in Abu Dhabi.